Processing of Layered Semiconductor-Core Optical Fibers for Mid-IR Applications

这项拨款为半导体芯波导加工的基础研究提供资金，这些材料能够与大多数普通玻璃一起形成光纤形式，并促进折射率工程，以创建用于传输和操纵中红外激光束的光纤的复杂波导芯。设计和制造具有层状硅和锗合金芯的硼硅玻璃纤维，其中光将完全限制在芯内，以尽量减少使用过程中的损耗。该系统被选择为允许半导体核心的半固态变形，其中不同层的液体成分将是相同的。界面的锐度是由固体颗粒在液体中的扩散决定的，对性能至关重要。界面的扩散将被研究，微观结构和光学性质的变化。本研究将有助于从根本上理解复杂的多组分改性化学气相沉积工艺、半导体合金的半固态变形、光波导设计以及层状半导体芯光纤波导加工控制的能力。这项研究的成功完成将对生物医学手术、信息解码、危险化学传感以及增强防御能力的技术产生重大影响。低损耗中红外波导将使中红外激光束的传输和操作成为可能，这种能力将为中红外激光器开辟新的市场，这是一个成熟的增长领域。两名研究生和几名本科生将直接参与研究工作。将开发一个示范光纤技术的模块，用作外联工具。

This grant provides funding for a fundamental study of the processing of semiconductor-core waveguides from materials that are able to be formed into fiber form, in concert with most regular glasses, and that facilitate refractive index engineering to create complex waveguide cores for optical fibers for use in the delivery and manipulation of mid-infrared laser beams. Borosilicate glass fibers with layered silicon and germanium alloy cores will be designed and fabricated, where the light is to be completely confined in the core so as to minimize loss during use. The system is chosen to allow semi-solid deformation of the semiconductor core, where the liquid composition of the different layers will be identical. The sharpness of the interface is determined by the diffusion of solid grains in a liquid and will be critical for performance. The diffusion of the interface will be studied, both microstructurally, and by changes in optical properties. This research will contribute to the fundamental understanding of the complex multicomponent modified chemical vapor deposition process, an understanding of the semi-solid deformation of semiconductor alloys, optical waveguide design, and the ability for waveguide processing control in layered semiconductor-core fibers. The successful completion of this research will have significant impact, ranging from biomedical surgery, information decoding, hazardous chemical sensing, to technologies that enhance defense capabilities. Low loss mid-infrared waveguides will enable delivery and manipulation of mid-infrared laser beams and this capability will open up new markets for mid-infrared lasers, an area that is ripe for growth. Two graduate students and several undergraduate students will be directly involved in the research effort. A module demonstrating optical fiber technology will be developed for use as an outreach tool.